The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed allegations in an Amnesty International report claiming security operatives killed #EndBadGovernance protesters during the nationwide demonstrations in August.
In a statement released on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, described the report as “unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent with incident reports.”
He asserted that the police adhered strictly to established rules of engagement throughout the protests, which lasted 10 days and were marked by widespread unrest in various states.
Amnesty International’s report, titled ‘Bloody August: Nigerian government’s violent crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protests’, alleged that 24 protesters were killed and over 1,200 others arrested.
The global human rights organization also accused Nigerian authorities of torturing and mistreating protesters during and after the demonstrations.
The protests, triggered by growing economic hardship in the country, initially began as peaceful marches but escalated into violence in some states.
Teargas was reportedly fired at demonstrators and journalists in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, and other locations.
The unrest also led to incidents of looting and vandalism, particularly in some northern states.
Reacting to the allegations, Adejobi emphasized that officers were under strict instructions from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to manage the protests without deploying firearms unless the situation devolved into violent riots involving loss of lives or significant property damage.
“The Force categorically refutes these allegations as unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent with incident reports submitted to the office of the Inspector-General of Police by affected commands,” Adejobi said.
He added, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, had issued clear directives to all Commissioners of Police on managing the protests, emphasizing that officers should not deploy arms to manage protests. Instead, arms were only to be used when protests escalated into riots involving loss of lives and damage to property.
Even then, engagement with armed protesters was limited strictly to specialized armed units to restore order.”
Adejobi also revealed that Egbetokun has ordered a comprehensive investigation into Amnesty International’s claims to provide clarity on the events and ensure transparency.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which drew thousands of Nigerians across the country, highlighted citizens’ frustrations with economic challenges and governance.
However, the ensuing violence has reignited debates about the handling of civil unrest by security forces and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
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